§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotsland on what date his Department was informed of the proposal from Aberdeen and Northern Marts for a computerised tracing system for Scottish cattle; what assessment he has made of this scheme; and if he will make a statement. [7190]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonAberdeen and Northern Marts' feasibility study on a voluntary computerised tracing system for Scottish cattle was received around November 1994. Circumstances have changed dramatically since then and the Government and the farming industry ascribe considerable importance to the early introduction of a mandatory national system. Similar views are held by the European Commission. The Government have commissioned their own feasibility study and industry will be consulted shortly on proposals to introduce such a scheme.